Ingrid Newkirk

Presenting a toy to Henry

Ingrid Newkirk founded the nation's largest animal rights organization, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), in 1980. As PETA's website describes, the organization "...operates under the simple principle that animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, or use for entertainment," educating policymakers and the public about animal abuse and promoting kind treatment of animals.

Henry and I met Ingrid at PETA's Washington DC office, and she arrived with a handmade toy and treats for Henry, who took right to the treats and bounded around with his new friend.

Our conversation ranged from Ingrid's path to advocating for animals to the policies and perspectives she encounters that sustain animal use and the reasons she persists in her efforts despite the opposition and exposure to animal suffering her work requires. In addition to running PETA Ingrid is the author of numerous books, and a frequent speaker on promoting animal rights and protections around the world.